Many assessments are required to ensure the infant’s proper growth and development. In this regard, governmental health organizations, which have access to a vast range of statistical data and evidence, provide a solid source of knowledge and evidence-based practice. The child’s developmental markers can be classified into physical, communicational, emotional, and cognitive (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The information provided in the given case describes a girl 9-month old with 68.5 cm in length (25th percentile), a weight of 6.75 kg (5th percentile), and a head circumference of 43 cm (25th percentile). In the meantime, the average weight of a 9-month-old female infant is 8.4 to 8.7 kg, length 69.1 to 70.5 cm, and head circumference approximately 44 cm (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Overall, the child is underweight, deviating from the norm by almost 2 kg.
Further physical markers require the girl to be able to sit without support, pull herself to a sitting position, and move objects between her hands. In terms of language and communication, a child should make various sounds and lift hands to be picked up. Emotional markers include being clingy to familiar people and fearful of strangers. In addition, she will watch the falling items, look for others when they leave, and play peek-a-boo in a very emotional way.
A nurse’s recommendations to the mother mainly depend on the child’s adherence to the developmental milestones. In the chosen case, an assessment of nutritional intake would be necessary to understand why the child lacks weight. A generally good practice is to go over the infant’s feeding routine and schedule, also inquiring about breastfeeding. If the mother is breastfeeding, a good recommendation would be to consume foods nutritious for the baby and ensure the baby is fed often enough and the mother produces enough milk. Providing proper nutrition and care for the child is crucial to maintaining general health and well-being.
References
Clinical Growth Charts. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Important Milestones: Your Baby By Nine Months. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.